Denver Broncos defensive coordinator and former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio has emerged as a favorite to succeed Lane Kiffin as USC Trojans mentor.

Del Rio, who is currently the Denver Broncos defensive coordinator, hasn't left Denver yet and is highly vouched for by his boss, Broncos coach John Fox. According to Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today Sports, Fox quipped Del Rio is "definitely qualified" to take on the Trojans job.

Jones points out there are several Internet rumors saying Del Rio was spotted at Los Angeles International Airport but Fox promptly refuted these hearsays.

He said,"He wasn't at LAX. I was actually with him at Del Frisco's when that came out."

Del Frisco's is an "upscale steakhouse," per Jones, who adds he and Fox go a long way back, dating to their days with the Carolina Panthers when Fox was the head coach and he was defensive coordinator.

The Denver Post reported on September 30 that Del Rio will work through the 2013 NFL season and finish his contract with the Broncos, virtually ending speculation he will leave for USC anytime soon.

The report cites two Broncos sources who said "the team would not allow Del Rio out of his contract until it expires in February." Even if he doesn't get the USC job, he will still be a strong candidate for other NFL head coaching jobs that will be open.

The Trojans fired Kiffin on Sunday, less than six hours after the team lost 62-41 to the Arizona State Sun Devils. USC athletic director Pat Haden consulted with his advisers and made the decision after the Sun Devils scored 28 unanswered points in the third quarter.